ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL -- The American Amusement Machine Association has announced a major change in its leadership team. The association will not extend the employment contract of Mike Rudowicz, who held the president's post for almost 10 years, and will replace him with John Schultz, according to an announcement by AAMA chairman Dave Courington.

"Mike's 40 years of industry experience was a great benefit to the association," said Courington, who observed that Rudowicz's background in manufacturing and distribution, along with his experience at the former parts giant Wico, allowed him to address AAMA's needs from different perspectives. "The association, as well as the entire amusement industry, owes Mike a debt of gratitude for his years of dedicated service."

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Founded in 1981, AAMA is an international nonprofit trade organization representing manufacturers, distributors and part suppliers involved in the coin-operated amusement industry.

During the early part of his coin-op career, Rudowicz worked for several small music and games vendors. He later became general manager at Rowe International and headed up its distribution network. He was an executive vice-president at Bally Manufacturing and Wico, and went on to become president of Konami's coin-op division. In 2000, Rudowicz left the private sector to serve with the AAMA. He can be reached at (847) 828-7828 and or by emailing m.rudowicz@ comcast.net.

Schultz also brings four decades of industry know-how to AAMA, and his appointment as president was approved by the association's board of directors on May 15. "John's industry experience, coupled with his association work, positions him as the right man for the job," Courington said.

Schultz is currently director of new business development and international sales at Apple Industries, a supplier of photobooths. Prior to his joining Apple earlier this year, he served as president Rock-Ola Manufacturing Corp. between 1998 and 2008. At AAMA, he has served on several committees and is currently vice-chairman of the executive committee. He will relocate from California to Illinois, where the association is based,